BY HENRY MORKA
Despite the permutations amongst the major aspirants in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on who should take over from the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, come 2023, former Minister of Education, Olorogun Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, stands out as the most qualified person to occupy the number one seat at Dennis Osadebe House in the capital city of Asaba.
Olorogun Gbagi, never hide his intention to govern Delta State as he was the first to indicate interest as opposed to some who came as an after thought haven taken instruction from their god fathers. We don’t need a sooth sayer to reveal to us that Gbagi meant business as he has shown visible interest, demonstrated uncommon commitment, unprecedented zeal and zest and dedication to giving Delta State a face lift and frog-lift it from her present pitiable position nothingness to an industrialised State.
In his consultation visits across the length and breadth of Delta State, Olorogun Gbagi, unequivocally re-echoed his plan to industrialize the State and meaningfully engage the teeming unemployed youths roaming the streets of the state looking for other means of survival inspit of the enormous potentials that abound in both human and natural resources.
There is this popular saying that goes by: “the tast of the puddy is in the eating.” This summarily situate the position of Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi when he said he will industrialize Delta State. As an industrialist of high repute, we know he means business. He is not saying it like some of his contenders in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will do to win the heart of Delta delegates but he is coming from the vantage point of experience spanning several dedicades of meritorious success in private business both locally and internationally.
Judging by his private business life, who amongst his contemporaries both in private and public life can boast of having the business presence in the state like Olorogun Gbagi? Who amongst his contenders can beat their chest to demonstrate their interest in the state as many don’t have their businesses near Delta. Gbagi think Delta, live Delta and invests in Delta.
Many of his contenders have thrived on stolen public funds but this is a self-made business mogul who is moved by the determination, passion and love for the state to offer his wealth of experience free of charge to develop and turn around the misfortune of bad administration in the past to positively maximize the abundant potentials in the state to uplift the living standard of Deltans. Yet, the political thieves are working round the clock to deny a man who mean well for the state, the opportunity to serve.
His vision for business development did not come because he want to govern Delta State. He has before now, domonstrated knack for business and Entrepreneurship. Infact, business runs in his blood. The testimonies are there for everyone to see.
As far back as thirty-four (34) years ago, even before the creation of the state, Gbagi, a renowned entrepreneur, built the Robinson Gbagi Shopping Malls (Plazas) 1 & 2. One is located at the popular Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Junction, in Uvwie Local Government Area while the other is standing tall in the heart of the oil rich city of Warri, located conspicuously by Deco Road in the ever busy Okumagba Avenue. These he did without premonition that he will one day, vie for the governorship position in the state.
Why is the political class in Delta State afraid of Gbagi? Why is the political class being intimidated by Gbagi’s towering profile? Why is it that the mere mention of Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi sends jitters to the spine of Delta politicians? It is obvious that Gbagi’s exposure, connection, wealth, amongst other of his virtues, are already dwarfing the local political champions in the state. Could it be that there is something they are hiding from Deltans that they don’t want Gbagi to courageously and boldly expose when he steps into office?
These are the que